The taxonomic status of the southern Sidespot Barb (Enteromius sp. nov. 'south africa') needs to be determined, here considered a separate species needing to be described. Many subpopulations are isolated and are severely impacted on by threats. However, the geographical distribution is fairly widespread within the Limpopo System in South Africa. In Swaziland only a single record was found in over 200 collection sites and it was assessed as regionally Critically Endangered in Swaziland (Bills et al. 2004). It is known from an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 38,668 km2 and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 232 km2 and is experiencing continuous threats such as forestry and associated sedimentation and river crossings preventing fish movement as well as stream regulation and mining with associated pollution. Although, it is known from a large number of locations and is still widespread, the impacts of the multiple threats for the species could lead to its decline and it is thus assessed as Near Threatened, but this taxa should be monitored to assess the impacts of these threats.
Distribution
Populations of the southern Enteromius sp. nov 'south africa'occur in the Mutale River and headwater streams of the Letaba and Levhubu catchments, middle Olifants River tributaries such as Steelpoort River with Dwars and Spekboom rivers, Blyde and Selati rivers. It is also known to occur in the upper catchment of the Olifants River in the Klein Olifants, Wilge and Kranspoortspruit. To the south it is reported to occur in the Phongolo and Tugela rivers and south-west into the Vaal River in South Africa and Swaziland (Skelton 2001). It has also been moved between systems due to deliberate introductions as fodder fish for introduced trout.
No population information is currently available, but the species is widespread and is most likely to have a stable population.
Threats
Impacted by water regulation with resultant sedimentation, water extraction and pollution associated with farming and timber activities which causes habitat degradation. Also in some areas impacted by alien predatory fishes, for example trout in the upper catchment of the Crocodile River, Incomati system. Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) occurs in the upper Crocodile River as well as the Steelpoort and Dwars rivers. Some specimens collected in the Steelpoort River were heavily parasitized which can be due to the extreme stream regulation and sedimentation taking place downstream from the De Hoop Dam (F. Roux pers. comm.).
Conservation
Conservation management of key upper catchment streams are needed and control of stockings of alien fishes in upper catchments.
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